In five years, Hong Kong residents will earn more, enjoy better career prospects, and live in an international, tech-empowered city with diversified industries and improved education.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the remarks on Wednesday, hours after unveiling the city’s first five-year plan and his annual Policy Address.

Lee expressed confidence in achieving the five-year plan's goals, predicting improved livelihoods, economic growth, and stronger integration with national development.

“In five years, Hong Kong will be a more internationalized and more technology-empowered city,” he said.

Lee said the purpose of the five-year plan is to align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and to seize development opportunities.

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In addition to proposing consolidation and enhancement of Hong Kong's existing strengths, the five-year plan also proposes developing emerging industries, planning for future industries, accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis, and furthering the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The city’s first five-year plan can consolidate its strengths while addressing its shortcomings, as well as provide the public with a clearer understanding of Hong Kong's development direction, Lee said.

Lee said the plan’s goal is to enable all of society to share the dividends of economic development, and increase residents' sense of happiness and gain. Therefore, the plan includes a comprehensive layout that covers education, healthcare, housing, eldercare, youth and women's development, support for disadvantaged groups, labor protection, and more.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com